China Temporarily Lifts Ban on Game Consoles

Special free trade zone established in Shanghai with sales unrestricted through China.

After speculation that China’s State Council was considering lifting the ban on gaming consoles, Reuters now reports that the ban has been temporarily lifted to allow for the sale of video game consoles. This is the first time the ban has been lifted in 14 years and allows for companies such as Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo to officially distribute their hardware in the country.

As of now, a special free trade zone has been established in Shanghai where consoles can be manufactured and then sold throughout the country without any problems. The company in question will need to seek approval from the Chinese State Council first though. So if the console company in question were, say, EA then it might be a bit tougher for them to gain approval (following the banning of Battlefield 4). Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo should be fine though.

What do you make of this development and how long do you think it will last? Let us know in the comments below.